Last night`s woeful showing in the Scottish Cup against St Johnstone at Tynecastle was a timely reality check for Hearts, exposing frailties all over the park that left a lot of fans (well I say ‘a lot`?.difficult using those words given the attendance last night!) scratching their heads as they trudged dejectedly along Gorgie Road.
For me the performance did not come as too much of a surprise though, as when there are certain players either unavailable for selection or being rested as they were last night, the lack of quality in depth in that squad very quickly becomes apparent.
Granted, everyone has been giving it absolutely everything over the past couple of months, with the results speaking for themselves in terms of how well the team have acquitted themselves despite some of the guys playing out of position. But if we`re completely honest, we haven`t had too many players available lately who have a genuine ability to create from the midfield and wide areas of the park – we`ve basically had Rudi Skacel and David Templeton making most of the good things happen, with Rudi in particular able to lift those around him into playing above themselves, which has resulted in the whole team playing well. Take one or both of these positive influences out of the side, and last night is what can happen.
The influence of Skacel in particular is massive. Since he came back to the club his infectious enthusiasm and positive energy has been key, as well as his obvious ability to still be capable of the unexpected – that little bit of class that can make the difference in close games. Templeton has been one of the main beneficiaries of having Rudi around and has gone through something of a purple patch recently, although he is showing signs of burnout at the moment, hence his relegation to the bench last night.
Without both of these guys it was like watching Hearts as they were at the start of the season again, with countless long and aimless balls going from back to front hoping for a Kyle/Obua flick-on. Zero imagination and very little evidence of anyone with the confidence to take a man on as they have when Skacel and co are on the park. Novikovas came in for Templeton following his super-sub performance against Hibs, but like any of his previous starts he disappointed – he has ability for sure but too often he doesn`t really look as though he`s interested. He`ll make a nice turn and play a pass but then not bother making another run to go for a return. Whether that`s a confidence thing or not remains to be seen. As for the rest of the midfield, they all work hard but Black, Mrowiec and Stevenson and all workmanlike players and collectively form a very one-paced engine room. If they don`t have wingers on either side of them flying then Hearts aren`t going to get much success playing through them, which perhaps explains the tactics last night.
So?we`re out of the cup which is a major disappointment given the draw, but it`s far from doom and gloom. This wake-up call could and should result in a positive response as Hearts resume SPL duty at Tannadice this weekend, where they`ll hopefully have Skacel, Templeton and possibly Wallace available for selection again. These guys really do make all the difference, particularly in an attacking sense?..I`m quite sure JJ will know that, hence the reason why he was willing to write off the cup in favour of a sustained SPL title challenge??;o)
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First of all, it’s great to see you posting a few more articles again MrH. Please continue. Secondly, it’s interesting you saying that JJ effectively wrote off the Scottish Cup this year in favour of the League campaign, and there is a lot to play for this season as the Old Firm are very catchable in my opinion. I guess it’s a cliche to say “we’ll concentrate on the league”, but in this case, it’s probably true. We simply don’t have the strength in depth to compete on all fronts.
Thanks SJ…nice to have the time to contribute again! I’m sure you appreciate my comment about JJ concentrating on the league was tongue-in-cheek, but I see what you’re saying in that it may make an SPL challenge easier. It does, but at the same time it’s disappointing because the cup was probably our only realistic chance of a trophy this season. I know that’s a bit defeatist, but given how average we are when Skacel and Temps are missing, not to mention if we were to lose Zaliukas or Kyle…..it’s difficult seeing us getting close enough at the top unless we got very lucky with injuries and suspensions. We had a great chance in the cup this year….and blew it!
You’re probably right in that the gap is likely too big, but it would be nice to dream that we could actually clinch the League title on the last day of the season instead of how it usually goes. 🙂 But yeah, we blew it last night – very disappointing.
Yes, a golden chance – blown. Let’s hope the team do concentrate on the league – by CONCENTRATING for the full 95 minutes of every game from now on. We need a return to the performances we saw against Celtic and ICT. As you say, its not doom and gloom – with Skacel and Wallace ready to return, and Driver about 3 weeks away. I wonder if JJ’s opinion of what he should do in the transfer window has been influenced by last night.
I don’t think it will have actually. I’d like to think JJ is already more than aware of where his limitations are and what he’d like to do about them. Can’t see us doing too much business to be honest…probably spent the whole striking budget in the summer…maybe still room for one more player but not sure what position he’d strengthen. Been talk of Bryson but he’s injured now…personally I think a right back and cover for Zaliukas are very important.
Ahhh – the RB position, so long the preserve of the Robster. Well, it depends whether JJ sees the Thomson twins as strong enough. Same with Barr. The Eggster is there just now, but I reckon he is probably our long-term cover for Zaliukas & Bouzid. The latter may well be off in the summer, so another CB is probably needed. A lot also depends on what JJ thinks of some of the youngsters who are too old for the U-19s – Gordon Smith, Jonathan Stewart, Jonathan Brown, Ryan McGowan. If any of them are good enough, they might get promoted – otherwise they will be released surely.
Mulrooney and Balatoni too.
Bouzid to Rangers with… wait for it… Andy Webster going the other way.
I’d take that in a minute SJ…Webster’s times the player.
Agree that Webster is the better defender – however he now has a question mark over his fitness since leaving Hearts. What are the chances that Vladimir would allow a return for Webster (due to the circumstances of his departure), given that he wanted Hartley to eat humble pie before allowing him back.
As said before, good to have MrH contributing again 🙂 I was gutted at this loss (to st johnstone, not mrH, sorry!), however i am not sure quite how much I agree with the lack of depth comments… Skacel and Kyle have been absolutely fantastic for us, but their loss alone should not be enough to spoil the great team we’ve been spoiled with in the last two months. I’ve felt our depth, especially with wallace/driver coming back is whats set this season apart from recent years. I hope I’m right, Celtic are within site, and I’ve had no end of fun ribbing my boss (a celtic fan) about how the hearts Rangers game this month is basically the title decider!! …unlikely i know, but fun all the same!